HOME INSPECTIONS Please do not consider buying a house without a private inspection - ever! This is one you pay for, so the Inspector is working for you.
Do NOT pick your handyman cousin or a friend who's in construction! This is far too important to have an amateur inspect what may be one of the single largest purchases you'll make in your lifetime.Please choose instead an ASHI-Certified Inspector. These inspectors are well-trained and certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. At this time, the State of Ohio does not require home inspectors to be licensed, but I think that's coming soon.
I have my favorite inspector, but I'll give you a list for you to choose which inspector with whom you'd like to work.
Having shown literally thousands of properties in my 17+ years in real estate, I can see a lot of things that are not readily apparent to you - and I'll point those out to you. My favorite inspector tells me I'm so good that I no longer need him! That's not true - I don't do crawl spaces, for example. Even if I did, inspectors are so much more knowledgeable than I ever hope to be. It's also critically important when you're negotiating repairs with the seller that you had a professional do your home inspection.I will be present for your inspection, just to give you moral support, but I stay out of the way and let the inspector do his or her job. The only time I get involved is when I hear him say "Oh, oh" - which means he's found a health and safety issue - sometimes exposed live wires or uncapped gas lines or active mold. I need to know that so I can immediately let the listing agent of that home advise the sellers so they can correct those kinds of issues right away.Your private home inspection will cost between $300 to $400, possibly more, depending on the size of the property - but it's money well spent, because you want to buy your home with your eyes wide open...or if he or she finds some really serious defects, you have the right to terminate the deal and walk away.
Again, for your own protection, never, ever think about waiving your right to your own inspection - even if you're buying new construction!
